Daniel Farke is likely to snub Joel Piroe and stick with the same Leeds United starting XI against Burnley on Saturday (14 September), Paul Robinson has said.
The Dutchman had a mixed first season at Elland Road despite scoring 13 goals in 45 appearances, dropping to the bench towards the end of the campaign after a drop in form.
He managed to make an impact during the 2-0 win over Hull City, scoring the second as a substitute, but Farke has been backed to leave him on the bench again.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “The manager has now got the opportunity where he’s got a squad to choose from. Piroe had his opportunities last season, starting the campaign really well, but his inconsistency is what fans found frustrating.
“When you come off the bench and have that kind of impact, there’s always going to be a clamour for that player to start the next game. But the team that has played the last two games looks strong, and that’s what Farke wants.
“So, players like Dan James, Max Wober, Joe Gelhardt, and Patrick Bamford, when they do get given a chance, they have to do what Piroe did at the weekend. Does he start? No, I think he goes with the same team.”
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. That will likely be Farke’s philosophy when facing the Clarets after the international break, whether fans believe Piroe deserves to start or not.
The 25-year-old proved his ability after smashing past Ivor Pandur at Elland Road, but that is not to say that Brenden Aaronson had a poor game in the middle of the park.
It would be extremely harsh to take any of Manor Solomon, Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto or Mateo Joseph out of the starting XI, so there is little room for Piroe to emerge from the bench.